hit home: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hit home’ mean?
The idiom hit home means to resonate or have a strong emotional impact on someone, usually because it relates to their personal experiences or beliefs.
Idiom Explorer
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The Significance of "Hit Home"
The idiom "hit home" is a commonly used phrase in English. It describes a situation or information that deeply impacts and resonates with someone. This idiom originated from the game of baseball, where the objective is to hit the ball so that it crosses the home plate and scores a run. The metaphorical usage of "hitting home" is rooted in its literal meaning.
When something "hits home," it strikes a chord or a nerve within an individual, making them profoundly aware or causing a shift in their perspective. It's like a ball hitting the target of the home plate in baseball, as it hits the person's emotional core. The remark, news, or realization has such a powerful impact that it figuratively "hits" them.
This idiom is often used when discussing relatable or personal topics, including messages that evoke strong emotions or experiences that deeply resonate. It also describes moments of clarity or understanding, when someone grasps the full gravity or significance of a situation.
The phrase "hit home" is closely related to other idioms, such as "resonate," "hit a nerve," and "striking a chord." Although these idioms share a similar idea, "hit home" specifically emphasizes the emotional impact and personal connection.
It's important to note that "hit home" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It can describe a moment of enlightenment or realization that brings joy or relief. On the other hand, it can also convey a painful truth or distressing reality that leaves a lasting impact.
The idiom "hammer home" is closely related to "hit home." While "hit home" emphasizes the emotional impact, "hammer home" focuses on reinforcing or driving a point forcefully. It means to emphasize or repeat something to make sure it's fully understood or acknowledged.
Similarly, the idiom "close to home" shares a connection with "hit home." "Close to home" refers to something that is personally relevant or affects someone directly. It suggests that the subject matter hits an emotional nerve or touches on a sensitive topic for the individual.
Another related idiom is "strike a chord." When something "strikes a chord," it means it resonates strongly with someone or elicits a strong emotional response. It can be compared to when a musician strikes a chord on an instrument, creating a harmonious sound. The phrase suggests that the subject matter deeply connects with the person.
The idiom "hit home" encompasses the idea of an emotional and personal response triggered by a situation or information. It conveys a deep resonance and impact, similar to hitting a target in baseball. Whether it brings about positive or negative emotions, this idiom captures the essence of a powerful connection and understanding that is uniquely human.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hit home" can be used in a sentence:
- When she heard the tragic news, it really hit home and she couldn't hold back her tears.
- After struggling for years with his weight, his doctor's warning about the risks of obesity finally hit home.
- The documentary portrayed the harsh realities of poverty, and it hit home for many viewers.
More "Verb" idioms
